We are dedicated to…

Economically empowering women through vocational skills training in sewing, tailoring, and fashion design so that they can become self-sufficient and provide for themselves and their families

Designing quality, beautiful products that people feel good wearing. Our products are made with local African fabrics bought from the markets of Kampala.

Employing young women and single mothers that graduate from our training program and supporting others to start their own businesses.

Supporting young women’s economic empowerment

Mazuri means “Most Beautiful” in Swahili.

Not only are our creations beautiful, but so are the lives of our seamstresses that are transformed by training and fair employment with Mazuri Designs.

Economic independence is a beautiful thing indeed!

In an economy with 70% youth unemployment and 50% of its population being under the age of 30 years, Uganda is a country of growing entrepreneurship where youth use their skills and connections to earn an income, otherwise known as "hustling". Young women, in particular, face challenges related to poverty and lack of access to an education. In our community, many young women never finish primary school and lack opportunities for gainful employment. Therefore, it is common for them to get married and pregnant at a young age. In this patriarchal society, this leaves women financially dependent on men for security. 

At Mazuri Designs, we empower young women with skills in sewing, tailoring and fashion design while also providing employment opportunities. In the midst of poverty and hardship, Mazuri women form a community based on creativity, friendship, and fun. Mazuri women learn that they are of value and have the ability to provide for themselves- we simply provide direction and allow them the space to grow.

Our young women are trained over the course of a year during which they learn not only how to use and repair a both manual and electric sewing machines, but also how to design items, interact with clients, provide customer service, and other basic business skills.

They are also provided with a comprehensive training in personal skills development, sexual and reproductive health, and business and entrepreneurship, so they have the confidence, knowledge, and skills to start their own shops, or if we have job openings they can stay on with us as we grow. Our vision is to provide sustainable work at a sustainable wage with safe working conditions. 

Our fabrics are sourced from local markets and reflect our culture in the traditional dutch wax fabrics that we use.